Back Yard Party In Canton Helps Children's Hospital And Food Pantry

KEN BYRON, kbyron@courant.com

CANTON — Relaxing at a backyard party is a ritual common to summertime, but David Hudon has asked guests at his parties to keep the community's needs in mind as they sat back, enjoyed food and cold drinks and listened to the music.

David Hudon held a party with three bands at his home in town on Aug. 2 and asked people who showed up to bring canned food for local pantries that help the needy. Monetary donations were also accepted and the proceeds split between the Connecticut Children's Medical Center and another group. This was the second year he has held the event.

"Everyone enjoyed themselves and we made a little money, it was fun," Hudon said.

Hudon invited 400 people and said 150 came. There was no fee to get in but people were asked to make donations or bring canned goods. Lunch was catered by local restaurants and that meant all the money that was donated went to the nonprofit groups, Hudon said. He said $3,000 each was given to the children's medical center and Hands of Grace, a food pantry and local outreach mission of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in New Hartford.

Hudon said donations of canned goods filled a sport-utility vehicle and went to the Canton Food Pantry.

Last year's event raised $5,000, which was split between Connecticut Children's Medical Center and Music in Common, a group that promotes music education. Hudon said about 80 people came to that first party.

The headliner for the Aug. 2 event was the Carrie Johnson Band and Hudon credited Johnson, a local musian based in Simsbury, for giving him the idea for the party. Johnson said she began giving shows at people's homes five years ago to raise money for Connecticut Children's Medical Center, where her daughter was treated for cancer.

"I feel as a musician it's important to give back, especially to people who gave us so much," Johnson said. "And a house concert is a great way to raise money and a great way for a band to showcase its music. House concerts make a lot of sense and I love it. There is a great vibe, everyone is there for the music and the cause."

Johnson said a house party like what Hudon did is a good for musicians because there are fewer venues for live music. Additionally, people who show up are more likely to be interested in the music, she said. The other performers at the party were Tim Preiser and John Mayock.

"It's getting big and it's a lot of work, but if we can find the right time I would like to do it again," Hudon said when asked if the past two parties might be the start of a tradition.